The Rockets were livid and quickly hit with technical fouls, one after another. But after they got up, they finally fought back. They slowed the Wolves long enough to cut a 16-point lead to three, but by then, they were out of defensive stops as the Timberwolves surged one more time to close out a 100-91 win Saturday at Target Center. …

They got in a decent workout, without extending themselves unnecessarily. They worked on a few things that needed their attention after the loss in San Antonio. And while they were at it, they picked up a 99-81 blowout of the Suns to tuck in the suitcase before boarding the charter to Minnesota. …

Back in Toyota Center for the first time since he was allowed to leave, Rick Adelman walked out with a 120-108 blowout of the Rockets with the Timberwolves scoring more points than they have in any game this season or any team has against the Rockets. …

Chase Budinger got his chance he jolted the Rockets out of some strange first-half doldrums, then returned to the floor to send the Rockets to a 103-76 blowout of the Wizards on Friday, their biggest rout of the season. …

The Rockets invited the New Orleans Hornets to beat them. They dared them. They begged them. They did everything they could to give the Hornets a game they could not possibly lose. The Hornets lost it …